New Directions for the
Great Lakes Community

SIX

Earlier chapters have described the resources of the Great Lakes,
how humans have used and benefited from them, and the physical,
biological and chemical impacts of human activity. As the story of
the Great Lakes unfolds, the importance of protecting and preserving
the lakes is highlighted. The previous chapter mapped the
development of an involved, broad-based 'community' of Great Lakes
concern. Citizens from all sectors of society are discovering their
own personal connection to the Great Lakes. As a result, they are
becoming increasingly involved in actions to protect and preserve
this vital ecosystem.

The surge of public involvement in management of the Great Lakes
reflects the change in attitudes toward the lakes over the years.
The belief in earlier times that the effects of pollution were
necessary results of prosperity and progress has given way to the
philosophy that the Great Lakes ecosystem must be managed
responsibly and treated respectfully.

Cooperation on many fronts highlights the commitment of the
people of the United States and Canada to prevent further
degradation and to protect the future of the Great Lakes. This
commitment has been reflected through the Great Lakes Water Quality
Agreement, national programs for environmental protection and the
involvement of governments, non-government agencies and groups,
researchers, industries, communities and individuals.

The public's direct actions have influenced both governments and
industry. Together, citizens from both sides of the border have
provided the impetus for governments to cooperate and adopt more
creative and effective management solutions to Great Lakes problems.
The concept of an ecosystem approach to management has become
reality from the experiences of this broad-based Great Lakes
community.

Research conducted in universities and government agencies is
contributing a substantial body of theory and information for practical
management programs, and a better understanding of the ecosystem and its
properties. Research continues to look for solutions to existing and
emerging problems.

The refinement of mass balance and biomonitoring techniques is an ongoing
task. There is still an urgent need to understand how toxic substances move
through the Great Lakes ecosystem on land, in the air, by water and through
the food web. More information is needed about less obvious, nonpoint
pollution sources to the Great Lakes, such as land runoff, long-range
transport of contaminants in the atmosphere into the Great Lakes basin,
movement of chemicals in groundwater and secondary pollution that may occur
when substances combine chemically in air or water.

Research is required to answer human health questions, to promote
improved human health and to prevent disease. Indicators of human and
ecosystem health must be developed and supported by ecosystem monitoring.
The extent to which the ecosystem is affected by the hormone-like effects of
persistent chlorinated substances must be determined.

The story of the Great Lakes does not end here. Although progress has
been steady and the ecosystem has shown signs of recovery, pollution will
continue to be a major concern in the years to come. A broader scope of
regulation of toxic chemicals may be necessary as research and monitoring
reveal practices that are harmful. More stringent controls of waste disposal
are already being applied in many locations. Agricultural practices are
being examined because of the far-reaching effects of pesticides and
fertilizers. In addition to pollution problems, better understanding of the
living resources and habitats of the Great Lakes basin is needed to support
protection and rehabilitation of the biodiversity of the ecosystem and to
strengthen management of natural resources. Wetlands, forests, shorelines
and other environmentally sensitive areas will have to be more strictly
protected and, in some cases, rehabilitated and expanded.

As health protection measures are taken and environmental cleanup
continues, rehabilitation of degraded areas and prevention of further damage
are being recognized as the best way to promote good health, and protect and
preserve the living resources and habitats of the Great Lakes.

As people living around the lakes make the connection between themselves
and the Great Lakes, they will become increasingly involved in positive
actions. People are indeed reclaiming, cleaning up and restoring their
watersheds, local shorelines, parks and green space. Through careful
management of technology and economic development, people can live within
the ecosystem without causing injury. In return, the lakes and the lands
surrounding them will continue to contribute to the quality of life for the
people of the region and all living things in the Great Lakes ecosystem and
beyond.